Dude, where do you live? I am taking boxing lessons right now, and I am a complete newb, although I already know a thing or two. I thought maybe if you're in the area, we could do some light sparring or something, but I have a feeling you're pretty far from me.
A few comments on what you said earlier:
1)Yes, footwork is pretty difficult. I am NOT restricted in space in the gym, but I get tired A LOT faster circling the bag and ducking under imaginary punches as opposed to just standing in one spot and hammering away at the bag.
2)Yeah, don't do that spinning elbow stuff. That junk is for the movies. In real life it almost never works and is just not practical. May work against some idiot though, once you get real good and able to execute it fast and precise. But then again, at that point you may not want to show off because you'll know you can drop an untrained guy in just a few seconds.
3)Tight elbows are very important. My trainer keeps showing me how my defense can be easily broken because of bad form. Work on your defense. It is extremely important. Also, when you punch, try to go up with your shoulder a bit. When you are punching straight with your right for example, your opponent can easily roll his head out of the way, and at the same time come OVER and ON TOP of your punch with his left hook. Very dangerous move... but if you punch a little higher, he will end up hitting your shoulder hopefully, not your face. ; )